Frequently Asked Questions

I’ll be giving up work to foster and worry I’ll feel isolated being at home.

We understand giving up a regular job is a big step, but please be reassured, you won’t feel isolated. Aside from your fostering role,…

What is a Form F?

When you begin the process to become a foster carer, you will be allocated an ‘assessing social worker’. This person is a fully qualified…

I have a criminal record, does that mean I can’t foster?

Whilst there are a number of criminal offences which would exclude people from becoming foster carers, equally, there are a number which won’t. Everyone’s…

What does my fostering allowance cover?

Your fostering allowance is actually two payments in one. One part is covers your foster child(ren)’s living expenses such as food, clothing, school uniform,…

Do I have to pay tax and NI when I foster?

All foster carers are classed as ‘self-employed’ by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) department, so when you become a  foster carer, one of…

How will you support me when I am fostering?

We understand that becoming a foster carer is a life changing experience for you and your family so as part of our team, we…

Can foster carers have pets?

Yes! In fact, most of our foster carers have pets of some sort. Caring for pets tends to go hand in hand with the…

I can’t drive, can I foster?

Fostering is such an interesting and diverse career and we know that only you will know what it’s like to live with your foster…

We are a same sex couple, can we foster?

Yes, so please do! It really saddens us to think there are many fantastic people who think they can’t realise their dream to foster…

I rent my home, can I foster?

Yes. All we ask is that you gain the written permission from your landlord. We will help you with this. The bottom line is…

What will the foster children be like?

Where do we begin! From sibling groups to children with special needs, to teenagers; they’re all individuals! If we have to generalise, we’d say…

How long does the assessment process take?

Ideally, four to six months, but, as we depend on the prompt co-operation from other agencies such as your local Education Department, the Disclosure…

My children live at home, how will they be affected by fostering?

That’s quite a difficult question for us to answer. It depends on so many variables. There’s no doubt they will have to share their…

What are the age restrictions of fostering?

Fostering isn’t about what age you are. Fostering is about offering a vulnerable child or young person a secure and reliable home. Fostering is…

I am single, can I foster?

Yes, most definitely! In fact, there are times when we are asked, specifically for a single female or single male foster carer. Some children…

Why does a foster child have to have their own bedroom?

Of all the questions we’re asked, this has to be the most popular! It’s fair to say almost all children and young people in…

How does an agency differ from a local authority?

Blue Sky is a fostering agency. We recruit, train and support our own team of foster carers and we offer their foster homes to…

What is the difference between fostering and adoption?

Although both involve the care of children and young people, they are quite different.  Whilst fostering is a temporary arrangement with the goal of…

What training and learning opportunities are available?

After completing your ‘Skills to Foster’ course and becoming an approved carer there will be planned learning opportunities available throughout the year, covering topics…

What support can I expect?

When you become an approved foster carer you will be allocated a supervising social worker who will meet with you once a fortnight to discuss how the child/young…

I practice a religion, can I foster?

Yes you can! In fact, we are always looking for foster carers from different backgrounds, cultures and religions so we have the most opportunity…

Who can be a foster carer?

We welcome applications from people who are married, living together, single or divorced, from all backgrounds and ethnicities and from all walks of life….

Can I continue to work and be a foster carer?

The agency prefers where possible; for the primary carer to be at home and ready to fulfil the needs of the child should they…

What happens during an initial home visit?

This is an opportunity to meet with you informally to discuss together why you would like to foster and to talk about what is…

How long does it take to become a foster carer?

The whole process will usually take approximately 4-6 months, during that time we will appoint a social worker, who will assess your suitability to…

What are the essential requirements of becoming a foster carer?

You need to demonstrate that you genuinely like children and young people, be open minded to the types of children and young people that…

Can I continue to work and be a foster carer?

The agency prefers where possible; for the primary carer to be at home and ready to fulfil the needs of the child should they…

How much do I get paid to foster?

When you become part of the Blue Sky team you will not only receive a friendly, supportive and professional service. You will also benefit…

My garden has a pond / swimming pool / trampoline is this okay?

The agency will review each case individually and the assessment will depend on the age of the children to be fostered but in all…

Who can be a foster carer?

We welcome applications from people who are married, living together, single or divorced, from all backgrounds and ethnicities and from all walks of life….

What support can I expect?

When you become an approved foster carer you will be allocated a supervising social worker who will meet with you once a fortnight to…

What training and learning opportunities are available?

After completing your ‘Skills to Foster’ course and becoming an approved carer there will be planned learning opportunities available throughout the year, covering topics…

When will a password be supplied to gain access to the approved foster carer section on the website?

Once you have passed panel and become an approved foster carer you will be issued with a password that allows you access to this…

Do I have any say in the child or young person who is placed with me?

Yes. The matching process is very important both for you and the child or young person. We will make every effort to match the…

What are the rules of the house?

Every house has rules. They are there to let everyone know how to keep safe and happy in the home. If you are not…

How much allowance / pocket money will I get?

Ask your foster carers how much you will get each week. Your carers will also save some money each month for you. This money…

How do I get hold of people if I don’t have a mobile phone?

If you need to speak to someone at Blue Sky or your social worker, then let your carers know (you don’t have to explain…

What is respite?

Sometimes your carers might be going away somewhere and it’s not appropriate for you to go. At a time like this, you will hear…

How do I make a complaint?

You have a right to complain about your Foster Carers if there is something you do not like about living with them or if…